Frequently Asked Questions: Collegiate Sex Ed

What does sex education on campus look like?

Collegiate sex education sets the bar very low for human respect and sexual integrity. It teaches that anything goes in sex and relationships so long as there is consent. The programs that communicate this message often use crude humor and explicit language and essentially instruct students in the how-tos of promiscuous and risky sexual behaviors.

Why is it bad to use humor to talk about sexual issues? Doesn’t that mean students will be more engaged and more likely to hear the message?

Yes, humor does help students to remember what they are being instructed and is more likely to engage them. This is the reason why humor is often used. However, the humor used is typically crude and bawdy humor that degrades the beauty and meaning of sex, the dignity of men and women, and the gravity of such issues as sexual assault. There is a place for having a sense of humor about sex. However, discussions about sexual assault and safety is not that place.

What’s the big deal if universities want to hand out contraception like candy?

The availability of free contraception and the mass distribution of condoms on college campuses send the wrong message about sexual health. It abets the casual sexual culture, where anything goes in matters of sex so long as there is “protection” and consent. Pushing contraception at young men and women actually encourages more sex. Studies show that increased levels of sexual partners and sexual activity also increases health risks. Handing out contraception like candy is counter-productive for the purposes of sexual health and safety.